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The Housing Market In Canada And The US Dollar

The housing market in Canada is as diverse and wide-ranging as the people themselves. While we all hear about the extreme highs of the Toronto and Vancouver markets, there are still many areas of the county with affordable housing. Nanaimo is one of them.

Housing Market In Canada. Why Nanaimo?

With top notch education, it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. It also has a universal health care system, so you’re well taken care of. The cost of living here is less than in larger metropolitan areas, so the need to work more and earn more is not as prevalent. Nanaimo residents can enjoy a more active, stress free life.

Nanaimo is centrally located on Vancouver Island, making it easy to access many outdoor activities – ski at Mount Washington, surf in Tofino and Long Beach, whale watch up north, or take a drive to Victoria and check out the many museums there. Nothing is out of reach, there’s something for everyone!

Mortgage financing.

Both TD Bank and the Royal Bank announced rate hikes, as of November 2016, to their 3, 4 and 5 year mortgage interest rates. The increases range from 25 to 40 points which, by example, means that a $300,000 mortgage on a 25 year amortization, will now cost roughly $45 per month more, or approximately $13,000 over a 5 year term.

Other lenders will no doubt follow the lead of these two major financial institutions in the near future, so buying a home now will protect you from further interest hikes in the short term and prepare you for the possibility of higher rates in the future.

The US dollar.

After the presidential election south of the border, the Canadian dollar dipped below 75¢ but has since shown signs of a slight recovery. With the buying power of the US dollar, and interest rates still quite low, now is the perfect opportunity for Americans to think about buying in Canada.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in the Nanaimo area, call RE/MAX of Nanaimo today at (250) 751-1223. We have agents on hand, ready to help.

From RE/MAX of Nanaimo’s humble beginnings, to the market-dominating business it is today, the company continues to grow and adapt to suit client and agent needs. Some things, however, never change. Our commitment to service, ethics, and continual education means that our clients can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Nanaimo’s top real estate professionals, while our REALTORS® benefit from a working environment that supports their professional and personal growth.

About REMAXofNanaimo

From RE/MAX of Nanaimo’s humble beginnings, to the market-dominating business it is today, the company continues to grow and adapt to suit client and agent needs. Some things, however, never change. Our commitment to service, ethics, and continual education means that our clients can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Nanaimo’s top real estate professionals, while our REALTORS® benefit from a working environment that supports their professional and personal growth.